AEDA supports Youth Options to provide opportunities for neurodiverse gamers and developers
Sturt Street community-based charity Youth Options will unveil a new gaming initiative at the South Australian Game Exhibition (SAGE), thanks to an Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) grant.
The game developers—some with neurodiverse needs, or marginalised—created a (QA) program to provide an affordable service to support the indie gaming sector.
AEDA Business Investment Advisor Ben Kirchner says Youth Options, with AEDA’s support, is providing learning and employment opportunities for participants.
In short,
- AEDA is supporting both the games sector and youth that are marginalised or neurodiverse needs by sponsoring Youth Options at the South Australian Game Exhibition.
- Youth Options will showcase a new quality assurance (QA) for gaming courses and services.
- The collaboration represents a shared vision of growing opportunities in South Australia’s creative economy.
“This initiative empowers young people with industry-relevant skills while providing affordable QA solutions for indie game developers, driving both inclusion and innovation in our creative economy,” Mr Kirchner says.
“This collaboration reflects our shared vision for a vibrant creative economy in South Australia.
“If you're heading to SAGE, don't miss the chance to visit Youth Options' booth and discover how they're helping level up Adelaide's games sector.”
The South Australian Game Exhibition (SAGE) is an event for video game developers, players and fans, held at Adelaide Studios in Glenside.
The free event will showcase 37 locally made games that can be seen and played. It includes 14 new game studios showcasing for the first time.
Youth Options Games Industry Liaison Anthony Robinson says AEDA has provided the “perfect” opportunity to showcase the efforts of program participants.
“Our new, industry lead QA for gaming training focuses on supporting Adelaide's disadvantaged youth and getting them adequately trained and confident to take on game testing roles,” Mr Robinson says.
“This is the perfect program to support our youth and contribute to the maturing indie game scene in Adelaide.'”
A further 16 studios that AEDA has supported in the past will attend the event.
AEDA will be part of an expert panel that explores opportunities for developers, including funding available, on Friday, 7 February.
AEDA is a proud supporter of game development in Adelaide, offering grants and support services to support the industry. Click here to find out more.